The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is inviting written public comments on Indiana Natural Gas Corporation’s request for a base rate increase.

The OUCC – the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) – is reviewing the utility’s request and has not yet taken a position in this case. The OUCC is scheduled to complete its review and file testimony with the Commission on March 27, 2014.

Indiana Natural Gas Corp. – a privately owned utility based in Paoli, Ind. – provides service in seven southern Indiana counties (Bartholomew, Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Lawrence, Harrison, and Orange). Its proposal would raise the monthly residential customer charge from $11.00 to $12.00, while increasing the base rate’s volumetric portion by 20.1 percent. According to its testimony and exhibits, the utility is seeking the rate increase due to rises in operating and maintenance costs. Its request would raise a total monthly residential bill for 10 dekatherms from $112.62 to $118.97.

The proposed increase in this case would only apply to the utility’s base distribution rate, which comprises approximately 45 to 50 percent of a typical Indiana Natural Gas Corp. residential customer’s monthly heating bill. Base distribution rates cover “non-gas” costs such as operating and maintenance expenses, and capital infrastructure improvements. Indiana Natural Gas Corporation’s current base rates were approved in 2008.

Wholesale natural gas supply costs, which make up between 50 and 55 percent of a typical customer’s bill, are recovered on a dollar-for-dollar basis through the state’s Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA) process. Indiana Natural Gas Corporation’s GCA process, which includes an OUCC review and requires IURC approval, is not at issue in this case.

An IURC technical evidentiary hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2014 in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney cross-examination and Commission questioning of technical witnesses who have filed financial or engineering testimony.

Written comments the OUCC receives by March 20, 2014 will be filed with the Commission and included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44453.”

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

(IURC Cause No. 44453)

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving.

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